rest.

After a busy weekend doing photography and social media coverage for HSU's homecoming, I've had two days off. Two days to rest, read, sleep past 7am, work out, make slow, savory dinners, and even watch the Giants. 

It's been just what I needed.

xoxo.

all i need.

Monday, again. I didn't start last week off on the best note. I was tired after working most of the day Saturday, and I felt like I had a million things to do. And as the week went on, it became clear that I needed to relax, take a step back, and look at the bigger picture. I'm learning (albeit slowly) that things are best when I take a moment to recognize the blessings I've been given. When I spend my time being mindful, and not controlling.

These are my prayers as I enter this week...

All I need is your love

To come and fill this heart of mine

My heart is a desert that has gone dry

And I need your love to carry me by

[Shawn McDonald, All I Need]

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.

...Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear. 

Psalm 112:1, 6-8a

xoxo.


[photo via thisisor.com]

my day.

...was filled with taking these photos. This was the first graduation I've been to where the graduates pose with horses following the ceremony. 

#awesome

xoxo.

yes, i'm still alive.

Yikes--I can't believe that I've only posted seven (now eight) times this month. To say the least, things are crazy busy. 

I'll be back soon (I hope) to regular daily posts. Thanks for not completely abandoning me in my absence. 

xoxo.

[photos are ones I took recently at a banquet I covered for work]

three things.

1. Wishing my sweet niece Shayla a very happy 7th birthday today!! I wish I could be there to celebrate with you, Shayla!

2. I worked every night this week, and, despite my exhaustion, I get to do really fun things like edit llama photos. 

3. I said my very first "y'all" this week. To be fair, I was quoting someone. Buuut I'm slowly transforming into a Texan. Yikes!

(Don't worry, I still recycle, Landon still wears crocs, and we often talk about missing OPB. #oregoniansatheart)

xoxo.

reason #1,489 why i love my job.

...I get to take photos! LOTS of photos. Part of my job is photography coverage for the events we have on campus. I thought I'd share some recent photos that I've taken, just for fun!

someday...

i will write a real post again.

my sign of busyness is whether or not i have time to go on pinterest, 

and i haven't pinned (like really, really pinned) for days!

xoxo.

(photo is one that i took recently for an event at work in HSU's Logsdon Chapel)

the [relaxing] weekend.

Oh Monday, are you here already? We had a great weekend that included (1) Mac and Cheese with Roasted Chicken and Goat Cheese; (2) A little snoozin'; (3) Fresh produce sent from Grandma Heath (can you say guacamole?!?); (4) Covering a Volleyball Banquet for work (hence the photos taken with a slightly nicer camera than mine...and by that I mean waaaay nicer); (5) A little portrait photography practice (taken by Landon); (6) A de-lish pad thai, thanks to this book (a birthday gift from Ry + Ash).

We also had some sweet little snowflakes last night, but I don't think they'll stick around for long.

How was your weekend? Have a fabulous Monday...

xoxo.

look on the bright side [my thoughts on inspiration and other abstract concepts]

A gorgeous framed print that Renee made for us! Don't you love it?

So, has anyone else noticed that things in the blog world seem to take a sadder, more exhausted turn every winter? I've started calling it the Late Winter Blog Blues, and I think it's a real thing. I started to notice this in January of 2011, and I'm seeing it even more this year. I've noticed a lot of posts (I even wrote one of my own, and then decided not to post it, thanks to the advice of others) that have a sometimes-I-don't-think-I'm-cut-out-for-this tone, or a here's-what's-wrong-with-the-world tone (that was mine) or a I'll-never-be-like-Sydney-or-Grace-or-Joy-or-Joanna tone. And I know that's a huge generalization of topics and emotions, but I think that the combination of the beginning of the year being a natural time to reflect and reevaluate, combined with just coming off of the four most blog-able months of the year makes for a strange transition. I've certainly felt it myself, just a general lack of inspiration to share. But because I've noticed it, I've also built in some habits to not get down on myself or this sweet little corner of the internet that I call my own.

First, I've decided to be real with myself. I work 40 hours a week (I couldn't ask for a better job, by the way!), I help out with CookingThyme, I have four other freelance projects going on, and I have Landon (and now Snook) to spend time with (that's NOT to say that spending time with Landon is ever a chore, cause we do super fun things together like listen to Fresh Air and do Jillian Michaels workouts, among other things).

Second, I've increased my intake of solid inspiration. I'm reading Start With Why by Simon Sinek, and it's changing my perception about a lot of things. I also watched the recording of Ben Silbermann's Keynote Address at Alt Summit this year, and I thought Ben shared some of the sentiments of Start With Why: that just as in life, having success in your endeavors comes from authenticity, humility and hard work. There really aren't any gimmicks, shortcuts or sales strategies that can get you there. People become loyal to people or companies who are real, honest and flexible. 

And third, I've taken a "just do it" approach. A lot of times when important things need to get done, I let my emotions get in the way. I spend time being stressed or worried rather than digging in and getting the work done. Now, any time I feel like I'm starting to get too emotional about the work I'm doing or the tasks ahead of me, I make a mental list of exactly what needs to get done, set myself a time limit and then get to work.

Feels Good To Get Some Stuff Done Poster by Mary Kate McDevitt on Etsy

How do you fight the late winter blog blues? Have you noticed this trend in blogging?

xoxo.

sunday lovin: changes.

 Friends, I have some fun changes to tell you about! A few weeks ago, I applied for a job (almost on a whim) at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU), where Landon is going to grad school...and within the same week, I was offered the job!! While I was getting good experience at McMurry University, working at HSU will help us cover some of the extra costs of Landon's schooling, so switching jobs was the right decision for us (and definitely a HUGE blessing). The photo above shows the building I'll be working in, starting tomorrow! I took a walk around the HSU campus last weekend and snapped a couple of shots...

I'm excited to work in such a beautiful place! I think this will be a good fit for me, and the fact that it's within walking distance from our house doesn't hurt, either. It's also right across the street from our church, so it's like we've got our own little corner of the world here, and I love it.

Along with the job change, I've decided to change things up here on the blog. I love posting on here, but lately, I feel like my posts have been lacking a little something special, and I'm always putting them together last minute. So, I devised a plan. As a way to help me work ahead on things AND keep you inspired, I've come up with some lovely little themes to bring you each week. 

And they are...

DIY Monday: (DIY project from me, or DIY inspiration from around the web)

Inspired: (what I'm loving and inspired by)

Life Lately: (an update on Landon and I and our adventures in Texas)

The Anthology: (a collection of pretty and inspiring things or ideas)

In the Shop: (a featured item from our shop)

Sunday Lovin: (an old favorite)

What do you think? I'm hoping this will be a good change for The Bright Life, keeping me on track and bringing lots of lovely things your way!

xoxo.

never just.

Source: littlemissmomma.com via Katie on Pinterest

Hi friends. Sorry I didn't get a chance to post yesterday! I was soaking up (a little) RAIN. See here. It only happened for a few minutes, but it was beautiful. And still hot, unfortunately, but we're getting somewhere! Today I'd like to share a little story from a few months ago, for anyone who is feeling discouraged or inadequate in their work.

Around Christmastime, Landon and I helped serve at a dinner my parents hosted at their house. We served the meal and washed dishes along with another couple. After everyone had gone through the food line, the four of us served ourselves and sat down for a few minutes to eat. The wife of the couple asked me if I was working and where. 

I said, "Oh, I work in the marketing department for a network of hospitals. I'm just the department assistant."

She replied, "My dear, never just."

Isn't that great? What a good lesson in not selling ourselves short.

Never just.

xoxo.

PS. Happy Friday!

work it.

that's me there. or some century-old version of me...cause i'm a working girl! i have a lot to learn but it's good to not be sitting at home making a big fat ZERO dollars per hour. i haven't had as much time to blog, but i promise i'll be back to it this weekend catching up! i'm also hoping to go to little winter  this weekend in portland. anyone else attending??

much love.

xoxo.

[photo via weheartit]